Matcha Latte Recipe
Meet your new cozy morning ritual: the Matcha Latte. This creamy, vibrant green tea drink combines earthy matcha, lightly sweetened foam, and the milk of your choice into a comforting mug of goodness. Whether you savor it for a mindful start or sip it during a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a Matcha Latte blends the centuries-old tradition of Japanese tea with modern comfort. The process is simple, but every step is a tiny act of self-care that rewards you with incredible flavor and color.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a Matcha Latte that rivals your favorite café. Each component plays a starring role, from the bright aroma of high-quality matcha to the creamy milk and subtle sweetness that brings it all together.
- Matcha green tea powder: Choose a ceremonial-grade powder for the boldest flavor and a dazzling emerald hue.
- Hot water (not boiling): Use water just below boiling (about 175°F/80°C) to preserve the delicate taste and avoid bitterness.
- Milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy): Creamy milk creates that signature silky latte texture; plant-based milks add their own flavors, too!
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): Just a touch of natural sweetness lifts the earthy notes of matcha and can be adjusted to taste.
How to Make Matcha Latte
Step 1: Sift Your Matcha
Start by sifting one teaspoon of matcha powder directly into your mug or a small bowl. This important step helps break up any clumps, ensuring your Matcha Latte turns out ultra-smooth and lump-free. No sifter? Just use a small mesh strainer or even the back of a spoon to press the powder through.
Step 2: Whisk with Hot Water
Add two tablespoons of hot (but not boiling) water to the sifted matcha. Take a bamboo whisk—or a small frother if that’s what you have—and whisk in a brisk zig-zag motion until the powder is completely dissolved and a layer of froth appears on top. You’re not just mixing, you’re waking up the matcha’s deep flavors and iconic foam!
Step 3: Heat and Froth Your Milk
Pour your chosen milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium until it’s steaming, but not boiling. For that café-style silkiness, use a frother, handheld whisk, or even a tightly closed jar for a good shake. Frothing is what elevates a Matcha Latte into a cloud-like treat.
Step 4: Combine and Sweeten
Pour the warm, frothed milk into your mug with the matcha mixture. Stir gently, watching those gorgeous green and white swirls blend together. If you like, add a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup—give it a taste and adjust to your own happiness.
How to Serve Matcha Latte
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra matcha powder over the finished foam gives your Matcha Latte a stunning, professional touch. Try a dusting of cinnamon or even a few cacao nibs if you’re feeling creative. Each garnish plays up the flavors and turns each cup into a little work of art.
Side Dishes
Pair your Matcha Latte with a flaky croissant, delicate shortbread, or a slice of toasted banana bread. Mild sweets, nutty cookies, or even a bowl of berries round out the drink’s earthy notes and make your latte time feel like a real treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Matcha Latte in a see-through glass mug so the green color shines through, or stack up a few layers with oat milk for a striking ombré look. Feeling fancy? Add a drizzle of honey in a swirl design across the froth or use a stencil for a matcha heart on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While Matcha Lattes are best fresh, you can store leftovers in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Expect the foam to subside, but the flavor will still be rich and comforting when you’re ready for round two.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Matcha Latte, as the unique color and delicate flavor of matcha can suffer. If you have a bit left over, pour it into an ice cube tray—these matcha cubes are amazing in iced drinks or smoothies!
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover Matcha Latte on the stovetop over low heat or in short spurts in the microwave. Don’t let it boil, as that can make the milk taste off and the matcha turn bitter. A quick whisk or shake will help bring some of the froth back.
FAQs
Can I use a regular whisk instead of a bamboo matcha whisk?
Absolutely! While a bamboo whisk (chasen) creates the silkiest texture, a small regular whisk, handheld frother, or even a fork can dissolve matcha powder with a little persistence. Just be sure to whisk vigorously for those frothy bubbles!
What’s the difference between ceremonial and culinary-grade matcha?
Ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a vibrant green color, delicate sweetness, and no bitterness. Culinary-grade is a bit stronger and best for baking or cooking. For the best Matcha Latte, ceremonial-grade wins every time.
How do I make an iced Matcha Latte?
Prepare the matcha as directed but use cold water instead of hot. Pour the matcha concentrate over ice, top with cold milk, and stir. You’ll get a refreshing summer twist that’s just as energizing and beautiful.
Is Matcha Latte high in caffeine?
Matcha is naturally caffeinated—about half the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee, but the energy boost is smoother and longer-lasting. Matcha Latte is perfect for gentle morning energy or a focused midday lift without the jitters.
Are Matcha Lattes vegan-friendly?
Definitely! Simply choose a plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy and sweeten with a vegan syrup such as maple. The Matcha Latte is adaptable for nearly any dietary preference.
Final Thoughts
Few drinks offer the mindful comfort and eye-catching beauty of a Matcha Latte. If you’ve never tried making one at home, this is your invitation to treat yourself! Grab your favorite mug and enjoy the ritual—sip by soothing sip.
Print
Matcha Latte Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and earthy flavors of a comforting Matcha Latte, a perfect balance of matcha green tea, creamy milk, and a touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, this delightful beverage is a soothing treat for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Matcha Latte:
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water (not boiling)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Sift the matcha powder: Into a mug or small bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water: Whisk vigorously in a zig-zag motion until smooth and frothy.
- Heat the milk: Steaming but not boiling in a saucepan.
- Froth the milk: Using a frother, whisk, or shake in a jar.
- Combine: Pour milk into matcha mixture, stir gently, sweeten if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For an iced version, prepare with cold water, pour over ice, and top with cold milk.
- Use ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
